Connecting a domain to Aesthetix CRM doesn't have to be complicated. This guide explains the foundational concepts you need — domain registrars, DNS records, and web hosting — and then shows you how the Domain Connect feature can automatically configure your DNS with supported registrars in just a few clicks. Whether you plan to use Domain Connect's one-click setup or add your records manually, understanding these basics will help you connect your domain confidently and troubleshoot any issues along the way.
This guide is about connecting a domain you already own, it doesn't cover registering a new domain or hosting one. If you'd rather have registration, renewals, and DNS all managed from inside your Aesthetix CRM account instead of a separate registrar login, you can transfer an existing domain in. See Transferring a Domain into Aesthetix CRM for eligibility and steps.
Creating a website and connecting services like email involves a few key components: domain registrars, DNS (Domain Name System), and web hosting. Understanding these elements and how they work together is essential for anyone looking to establish an online presence. Here's a simple guide to help you grasp these concepts.
A domain registrar is a company that manages the reservation of internet domain names. When you want to create a website, the first step is to choose and register a domain name (e.g., www.example.com). You do this through a domain registrar, such as GoDaddy, Namecheap, Squarespace, and others.
If you need to grant your team or an agency access to your registrar account, your registrar typically provides a delegate-access option. For example, GoDaddy documents how to invite a delegate here: https://www.godaddy.com/help/invite-a-delegate-to-access-my-godaddy-account-12376
The Domain Name System (DNS) is like the phone book of the internet. It translates domain names (like www.example.com) into IP addresses (like 192.0.2.1) that computers use to identify each other on the network. Without DNS, you would have to remember complex IP addresses instead of easy-to-remember domain names.
DNS works through different types of records, which control various aspects of your domain. Here are the most common types of DNS records:
A Record: Maps a domain to an IP address.
CNAME Record: Alias of one domain name to another (e.g., blog.example.com to example.com).
MX Record: Directs email to a mail server.
TXT Record: Provides text information to sources outside your domain, often used for verification and email authentication (like SPF, DKIM).
Web hosting is a service that allows you to post a website or web page onto the internet. A web host, or web hosting service provider, is a business that provides the technologies and services needed for the website or webpage to be viewed on the internet. Websites are hosted, or stored, on special computers called servers.
Sometimes, your DNS may be managed by a different service than your domain registrar. This is quite common and can happen for various reasons (typically agencies will move your DNS):
Performance and Security: Services like Cloudflare offer enhanced performance (faster DNS resolution) and security features (DDoS protection, SSL) that might not be provided by your domain registrar.
Advanced DNS Management: Some DNS providers offer more advanced DNS management tools, including easier interfaces, automated failover, and better analytics.
Web Hosting Providers: If you use a shared hosting service, they might manage your DNS to ensure your domain points correctly to their servers.
Separation of Concerns: Keeping DNS management separate from domain registration can add an extra layer of redundancy and security. If one service experiences downtime, your other services remain unaffected.
Adding DNS records usually involves the following steps:
Be careful when changing a DNS record that's already in use. If a record is actively pointing to a live website, email service, or other connected system, an incorrect edit can break that service until the mistake is found and corrected. If you're not sure what a record currently controls, check with whoever set it up before changing or removing it.
Log in to your domain registrar account: Go to the website of your domain registrar and log in to your account.
Access DNS management: Find the section for managing DNS settings. This is often labeled as "DNS Management," "DNS Settings," or "Zone File Settings."
Add a new record: - A Record: To point your domain to a specific IP address, add an A record. Enter the domain or subdomain, and the IP address it should point to.
To set up email for your domain:
Follow the DNS records sheet provided: Aesthetix CRM provides a DNS record sheet to all clients to add their records. It specifies the record type, host name, and value for each entry you need to add at your registrar.
Save and wait for propagation: Save the records and wait for them to propagate.
Understanding the roles of a domain registrar, DNS, and web hosting is crucial for managing your online presence. By knowing how to add and configure DNS records, you can effectively control where your domain points and how your services (like email and web hosting) function. With these basics, you're well on your way to mastering the technical side of running a website — and ready to use the Domain Connect feature below to automate much of this work.
Domain Connect transforms the complex domain connection process into a seamless experience. By automatically detecting and configuring domains with a single click, it replaces the need for manual DNS record adjustments. Suitable for root domains and subdomains alike, Domain Connect delivers effortless efficiency and adaptability for a domain management experience that endures.
The Domain Connect feature is designed to automate and streamline connecting domains to Aesthetix CRM. Here's a thorough explanation:
Easy integration with major providers: Connect your domains to Aesthetix CRM through Google Domains, GoDaddy, or Cloudflare in just a few clicks.
Hassle-free setup: Forget the struggles of manual DNS configuration — Domain Connect does it all for you, saving you time and preventing errors.
Quick and convenient: You can now effortlessly link your domains to Aesthetix CRM and its services and applications.
Safe and reliable: Benefit from the trusted, secure infrastructure of established providers for a reliable connection.
Future-ready: Domain Connect is continuously expanding, with plans to support more providers and integrations, including popular platforms like WordPress and email services.
Please note:
This is a domain connection feature, not a domain hosting or registration feature. You need to have already purchased the domain through one of the supported registrars, Google Domains, GoDaddy, Cloudflare, or IONOS, for this to work. If you'd rather have Aesthetix CRM manage the domain's registration, renewals, and DNS directly, transfer the domain in instead, see Transferring a Domain into Aesthetix CRM.
In the case of a Cloudflare proxy, make sure your automatically created DNS records have the Cloudflare proxy turned off.
After the provider tab has been authorized, close it to proceed to the domain verification process.
To use Domain Connect, log in to your Aesthetix CRM account and follow the steps below.
Step 1: Open your Domains settings. Navigate to Settings > Domains.
Step 2: Start adding your domain. Click the Add (Add Domain) button to begin the process.
Step 3: Enter your domain. Type your root domain or subdomain into the designated field.
Step 4: Optionally add the "www" subdomain. If you want to add the "www" subdomain as well, toggle the switch on. When enabled, you'll also have the option to include the root domain.
Step 5: Continue. Click the Continue button to proceed.
Step 6: Authorize the domain. If your domain is registered with Google Domains, GoDaddy, or Cloudflare, you'll see an Authorize button. Click it to grant Domain Connect access to your DNS settings.
Step 7: Confirm the connection at your provider. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the authorization process on your domain provider's interface (for example, clicking "Yes, Connect"). This will automatically add or connect the necessary DNS records.
Step 8: Return to Aesthetix CRM. Once authorization is complete, close that tab and return to the Domain Connect interface.
Please note: For Google Domains, the authorization process will not be completed until you close the tab and head back to your account. The system will then add the required entries, confirming the connection between your domain and Aesthetix CRM.
Step 9: Add records manually if your provider isn't supported. If your provider isn't supported, you can manually add the required DNS records using the instructions provided in the interface.
Step 10: Verify the connection. Confirm that the connection has been successfully established by testing your domain. Changes may take up to 30 seconds or more to reflect. If there is an issue with your authorization or any kind of error, you will see an error message in the interface.
Q: Can I still manually configure my domains if I prefer not to use Domain Connect?
A: Yes. Manual configuration is still an option for users who prefer to set up their DNS records manually or whose domain providers are not currently supported by Domain Connect.
Q: What if my domain provider is not one of the supported providers for Domain Connect?
A: No problem. Even if your domain provider is not currently supported by Domain Connect, you can still manually add the necessary DNS records. The manual configuration process remains unchanged.
Q: What if I toggle on the option for "Also add www domain" but my www subdomain is already pointed to another system?
A: In this case, a CNAME record will be created for your subdomain in your DNS records and pointed to us. However, we are unable to delete any existing CNAME or A record that you have for your www domain that may be pointing to another service. It will be your responsibility to remove that record yourself so that your www domain can function properly with Aesthetix CRM.
Q: What's the difference between an A record and an AAAA record?
A: Both point your domain to a server so it can be reached, but an A record uses an IPv4 address (the older, more common format) and an AAAA record uses an IPv6 address (the newer format). Most domains only need an A record; you'd add an AAAA record only if your host specifically provides an IPv6 address to point to.
Q: Can I use Domain Connect to register a new domain or have Aesthetix CRM host my domain?
A: No. Domain Connect only connects a domain you've already purchased through a supported registrar, it doesn't register new domains or host them. If you'd rather manage registration, renewals, and DNS from inside Aesthetix CRM, transfer the domain in instead. See Transferring a Domain into Aesthetix CRM.
